Fred Olsen cruise ship suffers new outbreak of stomach bug

Fred Olsen has confirmed passengers on its cruise ship Boudicca have been struck down by a stomach bug, the fifth outbreak on the ship so far this year.

Earlier this year law firm Irwin Mitchel revealed it was investigating cases of gastric illness on four separate cruises on Boudicca, in March, April and May, as well as in previous years.

Fred Olsen said 84 passengers out of a total of 763 guests have been infected in the latest outbreak. They are on a 10-night cruise which left Belfast on September 23 for a tour of Scandinavia.

A spokeswoman said Boudicca would return early to Belfast tomorrow for "an intensive cleaning and sanitisation programme" which will include ‘fogging’ of the ship by professional external contractors.

She added: "It is extremely unfortunate that a number of guests on board this Scandinavian cruise have experienced this illness.

"Fred. Olsen would emphasise that, as with all its sailings from regional UK departure ports, it works closely with the relevant local health authorities and port health authorities to ensure the safety, health and well-being of all its guests and crew, which are the company’s utmost priority. " 

Guests booked on a 12-night cruise to Madeira and the Canaries, departing tomorrow, have been told by letter of the situation on previous sailings, she said. Check in for passengers will open 90 minutes later, at 15:00hrs, to allow for the cleaning.

The company said it would consider any guest’s medical concerns regarding the forthcoming cruise on a case-by case basis.

It pointed out that this gastro-enteritis-type illness is common in hospitals, schools, hotels, cruise ships and other areas where people are in close proximity.

"Most people do not report incidences, but on a cruise ship – where movement is restricted – cases are highlighted," she said. "The illness – which is more contagious than the common cold – is also particularly prevalent during periods of cold weather.

"The virus is spread very easily by contact with surfaces and is a community-acquired illness, brought onto a ship by humans and transmitted from person to person, from a population that has been affected.

"At Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, the health, safety and well-being of all our guests and crew is paramount, and we believe that our systems for preventing the spread of illness on board our ships are amongst the best within the industry. We take all outbreaks of illness on board our ships extremely seriously, and we work closely with all the relevant authorities to ensure that the same high standards of hygiene and sanitation are maintained across our fleet.   

"All of Fred. Olsen’s cruise ships meet, at all times, the highest safety, hygiene and health standards, and comply fully with the strict requirements and inspections of their Flag State, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and other relevant authorities."